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North West College students host fashion show

May 4, 2018 | 5:20 PM

A project in an entrepreneurship class at North West College turned into a true celebration of culture, style, and tradition.

At NWC’s Leoville campus, the adult basic education students in the Entrepreneurship 30 class learned how to create a product and develop a business plan and sales strategies. The class chose to produce ribbon skirts and shirts, and called their enterprise Traditional Ribbon Designs. At the Meadow Lake campus, a fashion show was held to reveal the class’s creations May 4.

Jessica Mosquito, who hails from Pelican Lake, said she learned many practical skills during the class, and designed a matching shirt and skirt set.  

“I learned how to sew and promote stuff. We’ve learned a lot in our class,” Mosquito said.

Mosquito’s classmate Lester Jim said he wasn’t really into sewing before taking the class, but it has become a favourite pastime for him now.

“I like the outcome of it after we were done,” Jim said. “I made another one, but I already sold it. It went fast. I got my brother to wear [my shirt] in the fashion show.”

Melanie Roberts, the college’s interim president and CEO, said the instructor Diane Roberts’ love of sewing was definitely an influence, but the students also used it as a means of expressing their culture. 

“Most of the students in this program come Witchekan Lake and Pelican Lake,” Roberts said. “They are very interested in revitalizing and maintaining their culture and are very proud to celebrate that. The clothing was a great way to express that, and reflect on it as they were doing it gave them a true sense of pride.”

Roberts said the idea for the fashion show came from program coordinator Amanda Huskins. She contacted Helen Oro, a jewelry designer who is also originally from Pelican Lake to be a part of the event. Roberts said it was meaningful for the students to showcase their work alongside someone from their region who is successful in the field.

“It’s very rewarding,” Roberts said. “They’re able to show and share beyond their own community, and to have that proud moment that builds your self-confidence.”

Oro attended the fashion show, and said she was so proud of the students’ hard work.

“It’s a great feeling after you’ve created something for other people to see,” Oro said. “I was excited about being able share that with them backstage.”

 

 

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca

On Twitter @ReporterKath